Deputy President (DP) Kithure Kindiki faces a herculean task, arguably more difficult than that of his boss, President William Ruto, including a host of political tribulations.
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua recently dismissed the DP as Ruto’s “flower girl”, claiming Kindiki has been sidelined and stripped of real decision‑making authority within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Gachagua alleged that during the recent fuel and transport crisis, while Ruto was away on a two‑day State visit to Kazakhstan, the President bypassed Kindiki and instead directed Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi to chair a critical meeting with stakeholders.
He further asserted that Kindiki acts merely as a rubber stamp, obeying every presidential order without question, leaving the Office of the Deputy President “powerless”.
Gachagua extended his criticism to the Cabinet, arguing that Cabinet Secretaries hold no sway over policy in what he described as a “one‑man show” presidency.
Kindiki, however, countered that the resolution of the fuel crisis was achieved through a whole‑of‑government approach, dismissing claims he played no role.
The DP described reports questioning his whereabouts during the talks as uninformed and untrue, insisting he was at the centre of efforts to find a lasting solution as directed by Ruto.
“They are asking where I was? Where was the ‘fireman’? They don’t know that leadership is not forced. It is about working with everyone, that is why you see the President has a Deputy President, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and other workers who are helping him serve the people,” DP noted.
Speaking on Friday during celebrations to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity and the launch of the Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Restoration Programme (CHERISH) at Tebe Grounds in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kindiki said he chaired a meeting with CSs before they met stakeholders.
“They don’t know I am the one who asked the respective Cabinet Secretaries to meet with the stakeholders after the President directed so. We had a prior meeting together with the CSs before they met the stakeholders. So don’t pay attention to those peddling lies,” he stated.
The DP added that he would not hesitate to discharge his duties, including serving as the principal assistant to the President.
“My principal duty is to assist the President, and whenever he asks me to do something, I do not hesitate because it is my foremost role as Deputy President,” he emphasised.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who is also the CHERISH patron, reiterated that Kindiki was actively involved in meetings to resolve the stalemate.
“Your work ethic is exemplary. I have known you as my teacher, as my leader in the Senate and a colleague in Cabinet. Many people do not understand your working style because it is results‑oriented. You called us for a meeting with me, Transport CS Davies Chirchir and Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi. When we were done, you directed me to chair the meeting with the stakeholders,” Murkomen said.
Murkomen accused political opponents of fabricating issues in government, arguing they are not used to leaders who work as a team.
“The Deputy President’s work ethic is exemplary. He understands his role very well and does not beat his chest and respects the President,” the CS added.
Local leaders, led by Elgeyo‑Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, also praised the Deputy President’s work, dismissing critics’ claims as false.
“Since you became Deputy President, everything has fallen in place, and we have witnessed a lot of development across the country,” said Governor Rotich.
They urged the DP not to be distracted by idle talk meant to slow him down as he assists the President in delivering the government’s agenda.
“We are happy with the work you are doing as Deputy President because we know you are focused and hard working,” said Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative Caroline Ngelechei.
Professor Macharia Munene, a specialist in Diplomacy, Geopolitics and Foreign Relations at the HORN Institute, told The Eastleigh Voice that Kindiki has much to prove to establish himself as Mt. Kenya’s favourite.
“Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has a lot to do to prove that he is his own person. Think between now and 2023. He has to prove that he is formidable and worth electing. You know that is not an easy task,” said Munene.
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